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Kafula YA, Mataba GR, Mwaijengo GN, Moyo F, Munishi LK, Vanschoenwinkel B, Brendonck L, Thoré ESJ. Fish predation affects invertebrate community structure of tropical temporary ponds, with downstream effects on phytoplankton that are obscured by pesticide pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123592. [PMID: 38395132 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Aquatic biota of tropical temporary ponds typically experience a wide range of stressors that can drive the structure and dynamics of natural communities. Particularly in regions with intense agricultural activity, aquatic biota may not only experience predation pressure but also stress from pesticides that inadvertently enter the ponds. We increasingly understand how these different sources of stress affect classic model taxa under controlled laboratory conditions, but how predators and pesticides may jointly affect pond invertebrate communities is still unclear, particularly for tropical systems. Here, we conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment to study how fish predation combined with exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of the commonly used insecticide cypermethrin (0.8 ng/L) affects the structure of invertebrate communities, and its potential effects on leaf litter decomposition and invertebrate grazing efficiency as measures of ecosystem functioning. A total of seven invertebrate taxa were recorded in the mesocosm communities. Fish predation effectively lowered the number of invertebrate taxa, with fish mesocosms being dominated by high densities of rotifers, associated with lower phytoplankton levels, but only when communities were not simultaneously exposed to cypermethrin. In contrast, cypermethrin exposure did not affect invertebrate community structure, and neither fish predation nor cypermethrin exposure affected our measures of ecosystem functioning. These findings suggest that predation by killifish can strongly affect invertebrate community structure of tropical temporary ponds, and that downstream effects on phytoplankton biomass can be mediated by exposure to cypermethrin. More broadly, we contend that a deeper understanding of (tropical) temporary pond ecology is necessary to effectively manage these increasingly polluted systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuph A Kafula
- Department of Aquatic Sciences, College of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O Box 976, Musoma, Tanzania.
| | - Gordian R Mataba
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Nelson Mandela - African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Grite N Mwaijengo
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Nelson Mandela - African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Francis Moyo
- Department of Water, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Linus K Munishi
- Department of Water, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Bram Vanschoenwinkel
- Community Ecology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300 South Africa
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences, and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Eli S J Thoré
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden; TRANSfarm - Science, Engineering, & Technology Group, KU Leuven, Lovenjoel, Belgium
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2
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Thoré ESJ, Merckx W. Substrate colour guides turquoise killifish's (Nothobranchius furzeri) choice of preferred spawning habitat. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 102:1434-1441. [PMID: 37009851 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) is a promising new model species used in biomedical and ecological laboratory experiments, and should be kept under optimal conditions to ensure fish welfare and the quality of science. While the popularity of this model species is rapidly increasing, we need to improve our understanding of how the species interacts with its environment to optimize its husbandry. Specifically, turquoise killifish are substrate spawners that bury their eggs in the sediment, which can be accommodated under captive conditions, but it is not yet known whether or not turquoise killifish have a preference for a specific sediment colour. Here, we performed a laboratory experiment in which fish could choose between white, orange and black sand for spawning, colours which are relevant in both laboratory and field conditions. We assessed their preference in the context of single breeding pairs, as well as in a social group setting. Additionally, we also assessed the preference of individuals for a white versus black background in a nonmating context. Single breeding pairs deposited over 3.5 times more eggs in black compared to orange or white sand. Similarly, fish in social groups deposited over 3.5 times more eggs in black compared to orange sand, which in turn was over two times higher than that in white sand. Fish showed a slight preference for the black compared to the white zone in a nonmating context, but this did not correlate with substrate choice during the spawning tests. The results suggest that turquoise killifish select their preferred spawning location based on the colour of the substrate. These findings contribute to our understanding of the species' biology and can help to guide good welfare and scientific practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S J Thoré
- TRANSfarm - Science, Engineering & Technology Group, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Wouter Merckx
- TRANSfarm - Science, Engineering & Technology Group, Leuven, Belgium
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Kafula YA, Thoré ESJ, Philippe C, Munishi LK, Moyo F, Vanschoenwinkel B, Brendonck L. Environmental risks of a commonly used pyrethroid: Insights from temporary pond species of the Lake Manyara Basin, Tanzania. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161698. [PMID: 36682542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Environmental risks posed by widespread pesticide application have attracted global attention. Currently, chemical risk assessments in aquatic environments rely on extrapolation of toxicity data from classic model species. However, similar assessments based on local species could be complementary, particularly for unusual living environments such as temporary ponds. Here, we carried out an environmental risk assessment (ERA) of a pyrethroid model compound, cypermethrin, based on local temporary pond species. First, we measured cypermethrin residue concentrations in rivers, irrigation canals and temporary ponds in the Lake Manyara Basin (LMB). Then, we estimated the environmental risks of cypermethrin by combining these data with acute toxicity data of three resident species across three trophic levels: primary producers (Arthrospira platensis), invertebrate grazers (Streptocephalus lamellifer) and fish (Nothobranchius neumanni). Furthermore, we compared the derived ERA to that obtained using toxicity data from literature of classic model species. Cypermethrin residue concentrations in contaminated systems of the LMB ranged from 0.01 to 57.9 ng/L. For temporary pond species, S. lamellifer was the most sensitive one with a 96 h-LC50 of 0.14 ng/L. Regardless of the assumed exposure concentration (0.01 and 57.9 ng/L), the estimated risks were low for primary producers and high for invertebrate grazers, both for local species as well as for classic model species. The highest detected cypermethrin concentration resulted in a moderate risk estimation for local fish species, while the estimated risk was high when considering classic fish models. Our results confirm that, at least for pyrethroids, ERAs with classic model species are useful to estimate chemical risks in temporary pond ecosystems, and suggest that complementary ERAs based on local species could help to fine-tune environmental regulations to specific local conditions and conservation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuph A Kafula
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Nelson Mandela - African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania; Department of Aquatic Sciences, College of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O Box 976, Musoma, Tanzania.
| | - Eli S J Thoré
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; TRANSfarm - Science, Engineering and Technology Group, KU Leuven, Bijzondereweg 12, 3360 Lovenjoel, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Philippe
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Linus K Munishi
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Nelson Mandela - African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Francis Moyo
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Nelson Mandela - African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Bram Vanschoenwinkel
- Community Ecology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences, and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
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Correia D, Domingues I, Faria M, Oliveira M. Effects of fluoxetine on fish: What do we know and where should we focus our efforts in the future? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159486. [PMID: 36257440 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fluoxetine is one of the most studied and detected selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the aquatic environment, found at concentrations ranging from ng/L to μg/L. Its presence in this environment can induce effects on aquatic organisms that may compromise their fitness. Several experimental studies have demonstrated that fluoxetine can induce neurotoxicity, genetic and biochemical changes, and cause behavioral dysfunction in a wide range of fish species. However, contradictory results can be found. There is thus the need for a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on the effects of fluoxetine on fish at different levels of biological organization, highlighting inclusive patterns and discussing the potential causes for the contradictory results, that can be found in the available literature. This review also aims to explore and identify the main gaps in knowledge and areas for future research. We conclude that environmentally relevant concentrations of fluoxetine (e.g., from 0.00345 μg/L) produced adverse effects and often this concentration range is not addressed in conventional environmental risk assessment strategies. Its environmental persistence and ionizable properties reinforce the need for standardized testing with representative aquatic models, targeting endpoints sensitive to the specific mode of action of fluoxetine, in order to assess and rank its actual environmental risk to aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Correia
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Inês Domingues
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Zheng J, Zuidema E, Zhang Z, Guo M, Székely T, Komdeur J. A novel function of egg burial: burying material prevents eggs rolling out of wind-swayed nests. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Domínguez-Castanedo O. Perceived mate competition risk influences the female mate choice and increases the reproductive effort in the annual killifish Millerichthys robustus. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2021.1893827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Domínguez-Castanedo
- Departamento El Hombre y su Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso No. 1100, Col. Villa Quietud, 04906 Coyoacán, CDMX, México
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7
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Kafula YA, Philippe C, Pinceel T, Munishi LK, Moyo F, Vanschoenwinkel B, Brendonck L, Thoré ESJ. Pesticide sensitivity of Nothobranchius neumanni, a temporary pond predator with a non-generic life-history. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132823. [PMID: 34767842 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides are crucial to improve agricultural productivity, but often adversely affect surrounding aquatic systems and their fauna. To determine the environmental risk of pesticides, routine ecotoxicological tests are performed on several organisms, including standard fish models. However, these typically do not include fish species from variable habitats and with non-generic life-histories. In particular, inhabitants from temporary ponds such as annual killifish are conventionally understood to be resilient to natural stressors which could translate to higher pesticide resistance or, alternatively, trade-off with their resistance to pesticides and render them more sensitive than classic fish models. Using standard exposure tests, we assessed short-term toxicity effects of two commonly used pesticides, Roundup and cypermethrin, on the annual killifish Nothobranchius neumanni, and compared its sensitivity with that of classic fish models. For Roundup, we found a 72 h-LC50 of 1.79 ± 0.11 mg/L, which is lower than the values reported for zebrafish, medaka, fathead minnow and rainbow trout, suggesting that N. neumanni is more sensitive to the compound. The opposite was true for cypermethrin, with a 72 h-LC50 of 0.27 ± 0.03 mg/L. However, these LC50-values do not deviate strongly from those reported for other fish species, supporting earlier findings in the congeneric N. furzeri that the sensitivity of annual killifish to pollutants is similar to that of classic fish models despite their assumed robustness to environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuph A Kafula
- Department of Aquatic Sciences, College of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O Box 976, Musoma, Tanzania; Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Nelson Mandela - African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania; Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Charlotte Philippe
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Pinceel
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Linus K Munishi
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Nelson Mandela - African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Francis Moyo
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Nelson Mandela - African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Bram Vanschoenwinkel
- Community Ecology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences, And Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Eli S J Thoré
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Predation risk differentially affects aphid morphotypes: impacts on prey behavior, fecundity and transgenerational dispersal morphology. Oecologia 2021; 197:411-419. [PMID: 34542673 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-05037-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To avoid predation, prey initiate anti-predator defenses such as altered behavior, physiology and/or morphology. Prey trait changes in response to perceived predation risk can influence several aspects of prey biology that collectively contribute to individual success and thus population growth. However, studies often focus on single trait changes in a discrete life stage or morphotype. We assessed how predation risk by Harmonia axyridis affects several important traits in the aphid, Myzus persicae: host plant preference, fecundity and investment in dispersal. Importantly, we examined whether these traits changed in a similar way between winged (alate) and wingless (apterous) adult aphid morphotypes, which differ in morphology, but also in life-history characteristics important for reproduction and dispersal. Host plant preference was influenced by the presence of H.axyridis odors in choice tests; wingless aphids were deterred by the odor of plants with H.axyridis whereas winged aphids preferred plants with H.axyridis present. Wingless aphids reared in the presence of ladybeetle cues produced fewer offspring in the short-term, but significantly more when reared with exposure to predator cues for multiple generations. However, winged aphid fecundity was unaffected by H.axyridis cues. Lastly, transgenerational plasticity was demonstrated in response to predation risk via increased formation of winged aphid morphotypes in the offspring of predator cue-exposed wingless mothers. Importantly, we found that responses to risk differ across aphid polyphenism and that plasticity in aphid morphology occurs in response to predation risk. Together our results highlight the importance of considering how predation risk affects multiple life stages and morphotypes.
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Thoré ESJ, Philippe C, Brendonck L, Pinceel T. Towards improved fish tests in ecotoxicology - Efficient chronic and multi-generational testing with the killifish Nothobranchius furzeri. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 273:129697. [PMID: 33517116 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
As many freshwaters are chemically polluted, one of the challenges for policy makers is to determine the potential impact of these pollutants on ecosystems and to define safe concentrations. Common practice is the use of ecotoxicological assays to assess the response of model organisms from different trophic levels such as algae, invertebrates and fish during exposure to dilutions of a specific compound. Ideally, ecotoxicological assessments of (pseudo-)persistent chemicals should be performed across the life-cycle or even multiple generations for an accurate risk assessment. Multigenerational tests with fish are, however, impractical and costly given the long lifespan and generation time of classic model species. Here, we suggest a framework for more relevant, time- and cost-efficient fish-based testing in ecotoxicology and align it with accredited test guidelines. Next, we introduce an upcoming fish model, the turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri, and show how it facilitates such research agendas due to a short lifespan and generation time. Through a review of fish-based exposure studies with a set of reference toxicants, we position N. furzeri as a sensitive species, suitable for screening effects of different pollutant types. Ultimately, we perform a cost-benefit analysis and propose a plan of action for the introduction of N. furzeri into accredited test guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S J Thoré
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Charlotte Philippe
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tom Pinceel
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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10
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Thoré ESJ, Philippe C, Brendonck L, Pinceel T. Antidepressant exposure reduces body size, increases fecundity and alters social behavior in the short-lived killifish Nothobranchius furzeri. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:115068. [PMID: 32806394 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Social and mating behavior are fundamental fitness determinants in fish. Although fish are increasingly exposed to pharmaceutical compounds that may alter expression of such behavior, potential effects are understudied. Here, we examine the impact of lifelong exposure to two concentrations (0.7 and 5.3 μg/L) of the antidepressant fluoxetine on fecundity and social behavior (i.e. sociability and male-male aggression) in the turquoise killifish, Nothobranchius furzeri. When exposed to the highest concentration of fluoxetine (5.3 μg/L), fish were smaller at maturation but they more frequently engaged in mating. In addition, in both fluoxetine treatments females roughly doubled their overall fecundity while egg fertilization rates were the same for exposed and unexposed fish. Although aggression of male fish was not impacted by fluoxetine exposure, exposed male fish (5.3 μg/L) spent more time in the proximity of a group of conspecifics, which implies an increased sociability in these individuals. Overall, the results of this study indicate that exposure to fluoxetine may result in disrupted male sociability, increased mating frequency and an increased reproductive output in fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S J Thoré
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Charlotte Philippe
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tom Pinceel
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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11
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Sha Y, Tesson SVM, Hansson LA. Diverging responses to threats across generations in zooplankton. Ecology 2020; 101:e03145. [PMID: 32740928 PMCID: PMC7685145 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding on how organisms evolutionarily cope with simultaneously occurring, multiple threats over generations is still elusive. In a long‐term experimental study, we therefore exposed clones of a freshwater cladoceran, Daphnia magna, to threats from predation and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during three consecutive parthenogenetic generations. We show that Daphnia can adapt to different sets of threats within three generations through modifying morphology, swimming behavior, or life‐history traits. When faced with predator cues, D. magna responded with reduced body size, whereas exposure to UVR induced behavioral tolerance when again exposed to this threat. Such UVR‐tolerant behavior was initially associated with a reduced clutch size, but Daphnia restored the reproductive output gradually through generations. The findings advance our understanding on how those common invertebrates, with a global distribution, are able to persist and rapidly become successful in a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongcui Sha
- Department of Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Lund University, Lund, SE-22362, Sweden
| | - Sylvie V M Tesson
- Department of Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Lund University, Lund, SE-22362, Sweden
| | - Lars-Anders Hansson
- Department of Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Lund University, Lund, SE-22362, Sweden
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12
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Donelan SC, Trussell GC. Sex‐specific differences in the response of prey to predation risk. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Donelan
- Marine Science Center and the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences Northeastern University Nahant MA USA
| | - Geoffrey C. Trussell
- Marine Science Center and the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences Northeastern University Nahant MA USA
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13
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ŽáK J, Vrtílek M, Reichard M. Diel schedules of locomotor, reproductive and feeding activity in wild populations of African annual killifish. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Diel patterns of different activities arise from adaptations to periodic cycling of environmental parameters and may involve trade-offs between acquiring benefits and minimizing associated costs. In this study, we provide fundamental baseline data on diel activity of natural populations of Nothobranchius fishes, model organisms in laboratory studies, including links between diurnal rhythms and ageing. Initially, we quantified the diel change in activity in wild populations of three African killifish species (Nothobranchius furzeri, Nothobranchius orthonotus and Nothobranchius pienaari) and compared average activity between sexes. In all species, males were more active than females, probably as a result of their active pursuit of females. Swimming activity peaked at midday. In N. furzeri, the only species occurring at all sites, oocytes were ovulated in the early morning, and most spawning events had occurred by the early afternoon. Gut fullness and diet richness increased before spawning activity and peaked in the morning. Daytime diet was dominated by chironomid larvae, whereas notonectid bugs were the dominant prey at night, perhaps as a result of different prey detectability over the diel cycle. Finally, no loyalty to any particular pool section was detected in N. furzeri. Collectively, these data provide the first empirical description of diel activity in three wild populations of African killifish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub ŽáK
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Vrtílek
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Reichard
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
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Thoré ESJ, Grégoir AF, Adriaenssens B, Philippe C, Stoks R, Brendonck L, Pinceel T. Population-, sex- and individual level divergence in life-history and activity patterns in an annual killifish. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7177. [PMID: 31293828 PMCID: PMC6599669 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in life-history strategies along a slow-fast continuum is largely governed by life-history trade-offs. The pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis (POLS) expands on this idea and suggests coevolution of these traits with personality and physiology at different levels of biological organization. However, it remains unclear to what extent covariation at different levels aligns and if also behavioral patterns such as diurnal activity changes should be incorporated. Here, we investigate variation in life-history traits as well as behavioral variation at the individual, sex and population level in the Turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri. We performed a common garden laboratory experiment with four populations that differ in pond permanence and scored life-history and behavioral (co-) variation at the individual and population level for both males and females. In addition, we focused on diurnal activity change as a behavioral trait that remains understudied in ecology. Our results demonstrate sex-specific variation in adult body size and diurnal activity change among populations that originate from ponds with differences in permanence. However, there was no pond permanence-dependent divergence in maturation time, juvenile growth rate, fecundity and average activity level. With regard to behavior, individuals differed consistently in locomotor activity and diurnal activity change while, in contrast with POLS predictions, we found no indications for life-history and behavioral covariation at any level. Overall, this study illustrates that diurnal activity change differs consistently between individuals, sexes and populations although this variation does not appear to match POLS predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S J Thoré
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arnout F Grégoir
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Adriaenssens
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Philippe
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Robby Stoks
- Evolutionary Stress Ecology and Ecotoxicology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tom Pinceel
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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15
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Reichard M, Polačik M. Nothobranchius furzeri, an 'instant' fish from an ephemeral habitat. eLife 2019; 8:41548. [PMID: 30616713 PMCID: PMC6324871 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The turquoise killifish, Nothobranchius furzeri, is a promising vertebrate model in ageing research and an emerging model organism in genomics, regenerative medicine, developmental biology and ecotoxicology. Its lifestyle is adapted to the ephemeral nature of shallow pools on the African savannah. Its rapid and short active life commences when rains fill the pool: fish hatch, grow rapidly and mature in as few as two weeks, and then reproduce daily until the pool dries out. Its embryos then become inactive, encased in the dry sediment and protected from the harsh environment until the rains return. This invertebrate-like life cycle (short active phase and long developmental arrest) combined with a vertebrate body plan provide the ideal attributes for a laboratory animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Polačik
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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16
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Thoré ESJ, Steenaerts L, Philippe C, Grégoir A, Brendonck L, Pinceel T. Individual behavioral variation reflects personality divergence in the upcoming model organism Nothobranchius furzeri. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8448-8457. [PMID: 30250714 PMCID: PMC6144979 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the animal kingdom, behavioral variation among individuals has often been reported. However, stable among-individual differences along a behavioral continuum-reflective of personality variation-have only recently become a key target of research. While a vast body of descriptive literature exists on animal personality, hypothesis-driven quantitative studies are largely deficient. One of the main constraints to advance the field is the lack of suitable model organisms. Here, we explore whether N. furzeri could be a valuable model to bridge descriptive and hypothesis-driven research to further unravel the causes, function and evolution of animal personality. As a first step toward this end, we perform a common garden laboratory experiment to examine if behavioral variation in the turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri reflects personality divergence. Furthermore, we explore if multiple behavioral traits are correlated. We deliver "proof of principle" of personality variation among N. furzeri individuals in multiple behavioral traits. Because of the vast body of available genomic and physiological information, the well-characterized ecological background and an exceptionally short life cycle, N. furzeri is an excellent model organism to further elucidate the causes and implications of behavioral variation in an eco-evolutionary context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S. J. Thoré
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable DevelopmentKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Laure Steenaerts
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable DevelopmentKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Charlotte Philippe
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable DevelopmentKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological ResearchUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Arnout Grégoir
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable DevelopmentKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable DevelopmentKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Water Research GroupUnit for Environmental Sciences and ManagementNorth‐West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | - Tom Pinceel
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable DevelopmentKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Centre for Environmental ManagementUniversity of the Free StateBloemfonteinSouth Africa
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